On two occasions, Jesus rebukes Peter in the Gospels. The first time is when Jesus foretells his suffering and death but Peter objects. The second time is in the Gospel passage for today, when Jesus is about to serve the disciples by washing their feet but Peter tries to stop him.
In the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the focal point of the Last Supper narrative is the institution of the Eucharist, through which Christ gives us his Body and Blood to eat and drink under the appearance of bread and wine.
In his Gospel, John puts the emphasis on Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, an act which, at the time of Jesus, would have been performed only by the lowliest of servants. Through this act of service, Jesus models servant leadership for the disciples. He also leads us more deeply into the mystery of the Eucharist.
Read more...